A church in Cumberland has found a way to help Mainers who heat their homes with wood or oil.

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The Cumberland Congregational Church created a wood bank seven years ago when a widowed church member was in need of firewood for her home. Since then, the church has raised thousands of dollars by selling wood and using the money to buy folks oil or by giving the wood to people who use it for heat.

"This wood bank and the Samaritan fund helps people most of whom are not connected with this church in any way . We've always considered ourselves an important citizen of this community so we do what we do when there's a need to help out," said Cumberland Congregational Church Minister Diane Bennekamper.

Bruce Wildes, who volunteers for the Cumberland Wood Bank said it’s most efficient to help homes who use wood for heat.

“Maine is 90 percent forest and a lot of people burn wood for heat,” Wildes said. “Economically it's more efficient for us to provide them wood that is donated than it is for us to raise money and write a check to the oil companies.”

The wood bank is hoping to raise $20,000 for a wood processor and dump trailer because “the volume of production is exceeding the labor,” Wildes said.

“We’re looking for wood, for volunteers and looking to raise the money to make it bigger and help the other communities start their own wood banks through the use of the equipment,” Wildes said.

Bennekamper said donations can include trees people are having cut down. The tree can be cut and split for people in need of firewood or sold to benefit the heating fund.

To donate, you can reach Wildes directly at 207-370-8210 or the church at 207-829-3419.